Horsebox Build - Conversion vs Coachbuilt

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AlpacaTeddySJ

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Hi all,

I am in need of a new lorry as my current is older and isn’t up to the spec I require, and given the current absurd costs of used (and rather old) lorries I am looking to build one myself to avoid unknown shoddy work and rotten wood!

I should add I am on a rather restricted budged, hence why I am looking to do a lot of work myself over a long period of time - the dream would be a nice solid basic shell for me to kit out the horse area for almost immediate use, and I can paint/add living area at some point next year.

I have followed a few self build box lorry conversions which look interesting - I’d likely need a company to get me to a base shell type thing (solid Aluminium floor, fibreglass Luton pod/ears/spoiler, ramp, skirts, lockers, inner metal framework for raised floor and underfloor storage) for me to get going from. Basically a watertight solid shell.

I haven’t sourced a chassis yet, obviously the type/age would depend on which route I decide to go down.

But I’m wondering if people could share their experience/knowledge on box conversions vs purpose built aluminium bodies? I’d like a smooth sided and painted (paint at a future date - and yes I want it to be pretty, yes I know it’s vain) lorry so none of the hunt type looking ones.

Does anyone have any comments around this?

And if anyone has any experience of this, either purpose built or box conversion, could anyone share ballpark costs for such a basic shell? I’ve contacted a lot of companies via email with a basic spec but no replies.

Happy for PMs. TIA
 
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humblepie

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We basically did that. Horsebox building company took the taillift off, put ramp in, put windows/side door,locker, built the partition between living and horse area and put in the horse partitions/rubber matting. We then took over and fitted out the living, and did some further work such as more lights/air vents in horse area, added flaps to the partitions as they wen't full length. OH and family are qualified in lots of things like electrics, heating etc so able to do this type of work. It wasn't cheap cheap as in had to source fittings (some were second hand like the oven and hob were £30 from a caravan scrap yard) and some were new. It was built to be safe but using lightweight materials in the human area to give a good pay load. We rented a barn at a farm to do the work in the dry over a winter. We had a it professionally painted (chap who did the conversion). He may be biased but OH says it is the best lorry he drives, as not weighed down with heavy living stuff and gives a nice secure feel. This was quite a few years back so the cost wouldn't be relevant now but lorry had been parked up for a while before we bought it - the horsebox chap was going to do it but go so busy doing 3.5 tonne ones that it had just stayed parked up untouched. At least you get to know what you have.
 
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AlpacaTeddySJ

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humblepie said:
We basically did that. Horsebox building company took the taillift off, put ramp in, put windows/side door,locker, built the partition between living and horse area and put in the horse partitions/rubber matting. We then took over and fitted out the living, and did some further work such as more lights/air vents in horse area, added flaps to the partitions as they wen't full length. OH and family are qualified in lots of things like electrics, heating etc so able to do this type of work. It wasn't cheap cheap as in had to source fittings (some were second hand like the oven and hob were £30 from a caravan scrap yard) and some were new. It was built to be safe but using lightweight materials in the human area to give a good pay load. We rented a barn at a farm to do the work in the dry over a winter. We had a it professionally painted (chap who did the conversion). He may be biased but OH says it is the best lorry he drives, as not weighed down with heavy living stuff and gives a nice secure feel. This was quite a few years back so the cost wouldn't be relevant now but lorry had been parked up for a while before we bought it - the horsebox chap was going to do it but go so busy doing 3.5 tonne ones that it had just stayed parked up untouched. At least you get to know what you have.
Click to expand...

That sounds exactly like what I’m hoping to do. I have no issue putting work in but it’s the main structural aspects I’m needing the help with.

Hopefully I can actually find a company willing to work with me! Much better for them to source a suitable box lorry too as they’d *hopefully* know what they are looking for.

Do you know what length box yours had on it?
 
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PeterNatt

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AlpacaTeddySJ. Are you looking for someone to build you a smooth sided container with skirting, an aluminium floor, ramp and partitions already fitted and a luton which allows the cab to fully tilt on to a chassis supplied by you? You then wish to install the living accommodation at a later date.
 
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AlpacaTeddySJ

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PeterNatt said:
AlpacaTeddySJ. Are you looking for someone to build you a smooth sided container with skirting, an aluminium floor, ramp and partitions already fitted and a luton which allows the cab to fully tilt on to a chassis supplied by you? You then wish to install the living accommodation at a later date.
Click to expand...

Yes, exactly this. The horse area can also be bare I am happy to fit that out with existing kit I have from my current lorry.
Although I am yet to find a chassis and could either do this myself, or do so in conjunction with whoever would be undertaking the work.
 
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